How do we come up with the rankings? Well, obviously we like to wait a while to try to get a read on the teams. And there are numerous variables at play, chief among them who a team has beaten and where. But we also have a "what have you done for me lately?" mind-set, and consider the rankings a snapshot of the whole season, not just one game; that's why -- at times -- teams are ranked below a team they may have beaten. In addition, if a tiebreaker is needed, it's who we think would win on a neutral field.

We update these every Tuesday at 1:20 p.m. Eastern time, so if your team isn't where you think it should be, check back in a week.

On to the rankings:

Mike Huguenin's 120 at 1:20

1. Alabama (5-0)
BUZZ: The Tide's rebuilt defense has allowed just 45 points -- and 20 of those came in the win over Arkansas. NEXT: at South Carolina, Saturday

2. Oregon (5-0)
BUZZ: The defense might have some issues. But the offense is absolutely relentless. NEXT: at Washington State, Saturday

3. Ohio State (5-0)
BUZZ: The Buckeyes are just biding their time until they play Iowa on Nov. 20. NEXT: vs. Indiana, Saturday

4. Boise State (4-0)
BUZZ: Since the start of last season, QB Kellen Moore has thrown 50 TD passes and just four interceptions. NEXT: vs. Toledo, Saturday

5. TCU (5-0)
BUZZ: The Horned Frogs have won 28 of their past 31 games, and 23 of the wins have come by double-digit totals. NEXT: vs. Wyoming, Saturday

6. Oklahoma (5-0)
BUZZ: Four of the five wins have come by eight or fewer points. The other was a 30-point beatdown of Florida State. NEXT: vs. Iowa State, Oct. 16

8. Arizona (4-0)
BUZZ: Unlike in past seasons, it would be mighty interesting this season if Mike Stoops got to coach against his older brother. NEXT: vs. Oregon State, Saturday

9. Auburn (5-0)
BUZZ: QB Cameron Newton's arrival has energized the offense, but the defense still can get better. NEXT: at Kentucky, Saturday

10. Iowa (4-1)
BUZZ: The Hawkeyes have allowed just 51 points -- and 34 of those came in the loss at Arizona. NEXT: at Michigan, Oct. 16

11. Stanford (4-1)
BUZZ: Some defensive shortcomings were exposed by Oregon. Then again, Oregon can expose defensive shortcomings against just about anybody. NEXT: vs. USC, Saturday

12. Utah (4-0)
BUZZ: A lot of folks are assuming TCU will win the Mountain West. But don't forget that the Horned Frogs have to play at Utah. NEXT: at Iowa State, Saturday

13. Michigan State (5-0)
BUZZ: The Spartans are coming off an impressive win at home against Wisconsin. Now, they get a chance to put "big brother" in his place. NEXT: at Michigan, Saturday

14. Miami (3-1)
BUZZ: Forget about QB Jacory Harris' eight interceptions for a second and consider that the Hurricanes have allowed a nation's-low one TD pass. NEXT: vs. Florida State, Saturday

15. LSU (5-0)
BUZZ: Some say luck is the residue of design. Well, there was nothing in the final 30 seconds Saturday against Tennessee that was designed. NEXT: at Florida, Saturday

16. Arkansas (3-1)
BUZZ: The Hogs' most impressive performance this season probably was their narrow loss to Alabama. NEXT: vs. Texas A&M in Arlington, Texas, Saturday

17. Michigan (5-0)
BUZZ: QB Denard Robinson has been tremendous. And just think what he could do if he went against Michigan's defense. NEXT: vs. Michigan State, Saturday

18. South Carolina (3-1)
BUZZ: Coach Steve Spurrier knows what to do to take advantage of Alabama's inexperienced secondary. Alas, it has to go from his head to Stephen Garcia's, which means something is going to go awry. NEXT: vs. Alabama, Saturday

19. Florida (4-1)
BUZZ: Florida's defense is fine. But the offense still needs to find its identity. Here's a tip for offensive coordinator Steve Addazio: John Brantley should never run the option. NEXT: vs. LSU, Saturday

20. Air Force (4-1)
BUZZ: The Falcons have a solid rushing attack and a stingy defense; their only loss is by three at Oklahoma. NEXT: vs. Colorado State, Saturday

21. Florida State (4-1)
BUZZ: The Seminoles have looked quite good in four of their five games. The other, though, was an embarrassing loss at Oklahoma. NEXT: at Miami, Saturday

22. Oklahoma State (4-0)
BUZZ: The Cowboys have a lot of offensive weapons. That's good, because their defense isn't much. NEXT: at Louisiana-Lafayette, Friday

23. Wisconsin (4-1)
BUZZ: Last week's loss to Michigan State puts a huge crimp in the Badgers' Big Ten title hopes. They likely now are in spoiler mode because they don't look good enough to win out. NEXT: vs. Minnesota, Saturday

24. Nevada (5-0)
BUZZ: For the first time in a while, the Wolf Pack have a competent defense to complement a powerful offense. NEXT: vs. San Jose State, Saturday

35. Texas A&M (3-1)
BUZZ: A&M blew a chance for a nice victory at Oklahoma State last week. QB Jerrod Johnson needs to take much better care of the ball. NEXT: vs. Arkansas in Arlington, Texas, Saturday

36. Penn State (3-2)
BUZZ: The Nittany Lions are starting a true freshman quarterback, which goes to show you that Joe Paterno has mellowed in his old age. NEXT: vs. Illinois, Saturday

37. Georgia Tech (3-2)
BUZZ: The Yellow Jackets won the ACC title last season, but they don't look anything like a title team this season. NEXT: vs. Virginia, Saturday

38. North Carolina (2-2)
BUZZ: A mediocre start. An agents scandal. An academic scandal. Defensive line coach John Blake resigns under fire. What's it all mean? It means UNC fans only have to wait another 10 days until basketball practice begins. NEXT: vs. Clemson, Saturday

57. Maryland (4-1)
BUZZ: The Terps are one of the worst four-win teams out there. But so what? If they can pick up two more wins, they'll be going bowling. NEXT: at Clemson, Oct. 16

58. Indiana (3-1)
BUZZ: Indiana's offense can keep them in every game. Unfortunately, IU has to play defense, too, so figure on at least five or six more losses. NEXT: at Ohio State, Saturday

59. Ole Miss (3-2)
BUZZ: It took a while, but the coaches have figured out how to best use QB Jeremiah Masoli, and the points have come fast and furious the past two games. NEXT: at Alabama, Oct. 16

60. Illinois (2-2)
BUZZ: The Illini gave a nice accounting of themselves against Ohio State, but admit it -- at no point during that game did you think Ron Zook's team actually was going to win it. NEXT: at Penn State, Saturday

61. Northern Illinois (3-2)
BUZZ: NIU appears to be the best team in the West Division of the MAC. NEXT: vs. Temple, Saturday

62. Fresno State (3-1)
BUZZ: Fresno should be 7-1 when Nevada comes calling on Nov. 13 -- and if that's the case, that would be an intriguing showdown. NEXT: vs. Hawaii, Saturday

63. UCF (2-2)
BUZZ: UCF had golden opportunities to beat NC State and Kansas State, but came up short late in the fourth quarter each time. NEXT: vs. UAB, Wednesday

64. East Carolina (2-2)
BUZZ: ECU's offense has adapted well to the "Air Raid" offense brought from Texas Tech by new coach Ruffin McNeill. Unfortunately for McNeill, he also brought along a porous defense from Lubbock. NEXT: at Southern Miss, Saturday

65. Arizona State (2-3)
BUZZ: The Sun Devils have yet to beat a FBS opponent. NEXT: at Washington, Saturday

66. Kentucky (3-2)
BUZZ: The Wildcats started 3-0, but their defense has been shredded in the past two games. That, of course, means that "Wildcat Nation" now can focus all its attention on whether Enes Kanter will be eligible to play for John Calipari this season. NEXT: vs. Auburn, Saturday

67. Navy (2-2)
BUZZ: We would say the Midshipmen have encountered rough seas early in the season, but that would be a rather weak attempt at humor. NEXT: at Wake Forest, Saturday

68. Tennessee (2-3)
BUZZ: The Vols have beaten UT Martin and UAB (in double-overtime); they almost beat LSU, but some supreme being obviously owed Les Miles for something, so ... NEXT: at Georgia, Saturday

69. Tulsa (3-2)
BUZZ: The Golden Hurricane have a potent offense. The defense is potent, too, in that it stinks to high heaven. NEXT: at SMU, Saturday

70. UTEP (4-1)
BUZZ: How in the world has UTEP started 4-1? Two words: great scheduling. The Miners have beaten a FCS team, winless New Mexico, winless New Mexico State and one-win Memphis. They have one-win Rice this week, then one-win UAB on Oct. 16. NEXT: vs. Rice, Saturday

71. Cincinnati (1-3)
BUZZ: Has a team ever gone from winning a Big Six league in back-to-back seasons to finishing last in that league the next season? NEXT: vs. Miami (Ohio), Saturday

72. Louisville (2-2)
BUZZ: The Cardinals don't have a lot of talent. But this team still could get to six victories because of its remaining schedule. NEXT: vs. Memphis, Saturday

73. Georgia (1-4)
BUZZ: The only win is over Louisiana-Lafayette, and this quickly is becoming the season from hell for coach Mark Richt -- though knowing Richt, he would call it "the season from h-e-double hockey sticks." NEXT: vs. Tennessee, Saturday

74. Virginia (2-2)
BUZZ: Both of the Cavs' wins have come over in-state FCS programs, but they will get two or three over FBS programs before this season is done. NEXT: at Georgia Tech, Saturday

75. Wyoming (2-3)
BUZZ: Coach Dave Christensen made his bones as the offensive coordinator at Missouri, but the Cowboys' offense is stuck in neutral for the second season in a row. NEXT: at TCU, Saturday

76. Toledo (3-2)
BUZZ: The Rockets' offense has been stuck on the pad (man, what an awful line, huh?), but the defense has forced turnovers at key times. It's not a stretch to think the Rockets could win six or seven games. NEXT: at Boise State, Saturday

77. Purdue (2-2)
BUZZ: The Boilermakers have lost their quarterback, their best running back and their star wide receiver to injuries. Gee, it's as if Robbie Hummel plays football, too! NEXT: at Northwestern, Saturday

78. Troy (2-2)
BUZZ: The Sun Belt title very well could be on the line tonight. Troy has won at least a share of the past four league crowns. NEXT: at Middle Tennessee State, Tuesday

79. Middle Tennessee (2-2)
BUZZ: The Blue Raiders get star QB Dwight Dasher back just in time for tonight's Sun Belt showdown. He was suspended for the first four games by the NCAA for receiving illegal benefits. NEXT: vs. Troy, Tuesday

80. Idaho (3-2)
BUZZ: The Vandals are averaging 3.4 sacks per game, which is tied for sixth nationally. But they're also surrendering 4.2 sacks per game, which is 118th nationally. NEXT: at Louisiana Tech, Oct. 16

81. Miami of Ohio (3-2)
BUZZ: The RedHawks already have tripled their win total from last season, and they could end up having a role in the MAC title chase. NEXT: at Cincinnati, Saturday

82. Vanderbilt (1-3)
BUZZ: Vandy already has exceeded its SEC wins total from last season; given the Vandy administration's understanding of football, that may mean interim coach Robbie Caldwell will be given a lifetime contract. NEXT: vs. Eastern Michigan, Saturday

83. Wake Forest (2-3)
BUZZ: The Demon Deacons are going through quarterbacks like 7-year-olds go through a bowl of Skittles. Because of injuries, Wake already has used four signal-callers this season. NEXT: vs. Navy, Saturday

84. Utah State (2-3)
BUZZ: The season could end today and a lot of Aggies would be happy. Why? Utah State beat up on in-state bully BYU last week. NEXT: at Louisiana Tech, Saturday

85. Hawaii (3-2)
BUZZ: QB Bryant Moniz is throwing it around like ... well, he's throwing it around like June Jones still is the coach. NEXT: at Fresno State, Saturday

86. BYU (1-4)
BUZZ: BYU is having all sorts of issues on both sides of the ball. You'll have to forgive Mountain West administrators for their chuckling. NEXT: vs. San Diego State, Saturday

87. Army (3-2)
BUZZ: The Black Knights have beaten Eastern Michigan, North Texas and Duke, which have combined for one win over a FBS opponent. NEXT: at Tulane, Saturday

88. Tulane (2-2)
BUZZ: The Green Wave are coming off an upset win at Rutgers. The reaction in New Orleans? "Hey, I got tickets to the Saints' game!" NEXT: vs. Army, Saturday

89. Kansas (2-3)
BUZZ: You wonder if at some point during last week's 55-7 debacle at Baylor, first-year coach Turner Gill looked out on the field and said, "Man, I had more defensive talent at Buffalo." NEXT: vs. Kansas State, Oct. 14

90. Colorado State (1-4)
BUZZ: The Rams' offense has been a disaster. But is that really surprising, what with a rebuilt line, new receivers, a new tailback and a true freshman quarterback? NEXT: at Air Force, Saturday

91. Rutgers (2-2)
BUZZ: Why is Rutgers ranked so low? Simple: The Scarlet Knights lost to Tulane -- at home -- and have beaten a FCS team and winless Florida International. NEXT: vs. Connecticut, Friday

92. Minnesota (1-4)
BUZZ: Tim Brewster is hoping that the Minnesota Twins make a long playoff run so no one notices that his Golden Gophers actually could finish 1-11. NEXT: at Wisconsin, Saturday

93. Syracuse (3-1)
BUZZ: The record is deceptive. There are two wins over FCS programs, and the lone FBS win is over Akron -- which resides at the bottom of our poll. NEXT: at USF, Saturday

95. Buffalo (2-3)
BUZZ: The Bulls get preseason MAC division favorites Northern Illinois and Temple in their next two games. NEXT: at Northern Illinois, Oct. 16

96. UNLV (1-4)
BUZZ: New coach Bobby Hauck was a big fish in a small pond at FCS powerhouse Montana. At UNLV, he serves as chum for the big boys. NEXT: at West Virginia, Saturday

97. UAB (1-3)
BUZZ: The Blazers have played two one-point games and had another go to two overtimes. NEXT: at UCF, Wednesday

98. Arkansas State (1-4)
BUZZ: Sophomore QB Ryan Aplin has played well. But the run defense has been a huge problem. NEXT: at North Texas, Saturday

99. Bowling Green (1-4)
BUZZ: You don't have to be a math whiz to know that it's not good to rank 106th in total offense and 119th in total defense. NEXT: at Ohio, Saturday

100. Washington State (1-4)
BUZZ: There are some signs of life in Pullman (and, no, that's not a shot at the town). QB Jeff Tuel is a good passer, and the Cougars made UCLA sweat a bit last week. NEXT: Saturday, vs. Oregon

102. Memphis (1-4)
BUZZ: Things could be worse for new Tigers coach Larry Porter: He still could be on Les Miles' staff at LSU and answering questions about clock management. NEXT: at Louisville, Saturday

103. Marshall (1-4)
BUZZ: The Herd had in-state rival West Virginia beaten back on Sept. 10. But they gave it away late, and you wonder if they've gotten over that loss. NEXT: vs. UCF, Oct. 13

104. Ohio U. (2-3)
BUZZ: The Bobcats have played the past three games on the road, but now get to play four of their next five at home. NEXT: vs. Bowling Green, Saturday

105. Ball State (2-3)
BUZZ: Ball State beat Central Michigan last week, and the Cardinals get two more Michigan directional schools in their next two games -- Western, then Eastern. NEXT: vs. Western Michigan, Saturday

106. Duke (1-4)
BUZZ: New starting QB Sean Renfree has thrown for 1,464 yards and 10 TDs, which is good. But he also has tossed nine picks, and you don't have to be a Duke grad to know that is bad. NEXT: vs. Miami, Oct. 16

107. Louisiana Tech (1-4)
BUZZ: New coach Sonny Dykes arrived with the reputation as a good offensive coach. But the Bulldogs are struggling on that side of the ball. The defense isn't that good, either. NEXT: vs. Utah State, Saturday

108. Central Michigan (2-3)
BUZZ: It's safe to say the Chippewas miss Dan LeFevour because not just anybody can lose at home to Ball State. NEXT: at Virginia Tech, Saturday

109. Rice (1-4)
BUZZ: Rice's best player might be P Kyle Martens. And that gives you an idea why the Owls are 1-4. NEXT: at UTEP, Saturday

110. North Texas (1-4)
BUZZ: The Mean Green are feeling blue; they already have lost their top two quarterbacks for the season and have lost twice by one point. NEXT: vs. Arkansas State, Saturday

111. Florida Atlantic (1-3)
BUZZ: FAU has a returning 1,000-yard rusher, but a rebuilt offensive line has meant that RB Alfred Morris has had no room to run. NEXT: at Louisiana-Monroe, Saturday

112. Florida International (0-4)
BUZZ: FIU opened with four consecutive games against Big Six opponents; now, they move into conference play. NEXT: vs. Western Kentucky, Saturday

113. Western Michigan (1-3)
BUZZ: The Broncos play their next two games in the state of Indiana. First, they travel to Ball State, then they become the first MAC team to play Notre Dame. NEXT: at Ball State, Saturday

114. Louisiana-Monroe (1-3)
BUZZ: The Warhawks' only win was by one point over a FCS team. NEXT: vs. Florida Atlantic, Saturday

115. New Mexico (0-5)
BUZZ: If the Lobos don't win Saturday, just go ahead and stick a fork in this season. NEXT: at New Mexico State, Saturday

116. Western Kentucky (0-4)
BUZZ: The Hilltoppers opened the season with four consecutive Big Six opponents; now, they get to start playing teams of similar status. NEXT: at Florida International, Saturday

117. New Mexico State (0-4)
BUZZ: The Aggies can't score (118th in scoring offense); they also can't stop their opponent from scoring (119th in scoring defense). NEXT: vs. New Mexico, Saturday

118. San Jose State (1-4)
BUZZ: Man, you have to feel for new coach Mike MacIntyre. His team, which isn't exactly loaded with talent, already has played road games against Alabama, Wisconsin and Utah. The next two games? Nevada and Boise State. NEXT: at Nevada, Saturday

119. Eastern Michigan (0-5)
BUZZ: The Eagles play five of their next six on the road and are looking at a second consecutive winless season. NEXT: at Vanderbilt, Saturday

120. Akron (0-5)
BUZZ: The Zips easily could go winless this season, the first for coach Rob Ianello. NEXT: at Kent State, Saturday

Mike Huguenin is the college sports editor for Rivals.com. He can be reached at mhuguenin@rivals.com.